FM-4850 Operator’s Manual
1. GETTING STARTED
1.1 Emergency Call (CH16)
CH16 is known as the Hail and Distress Channel. When an emergency occurs, be
sure the radio is on and set to CH16. Then do as follows:
Step 1 Press the Push-To-Talk (PTT) key of the handset and say "Mayday,
Mayday, Mayday. This is XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX" (your vessel's
name).
Step 2 Then repeat once: "Mayday, XXXXX" (your vessel's name).
Step 3 Report your position in latitude/longitude, or give a true or magnetic
bearing to a well-known landmark such as a navigation aid or geographic
feature such as an island or harbor entry.
Step 4 Report the nature of your distress (sinking, collision, aground, fire, piracy,
life-threatening injury, etc.).
Step 5 State the kind of assistance you desire (pumps, medical aid, etc.).
Step 6 Report the number of persons aboard and condition of them.
Step 7 Estimate the present seaworthiness and condition of your vessel.
Step 8 Give your vessel's description: length, design (power or sail), color and
other distinguishing marks.
Step 9 Say "over" to end the message. Release the PTT switch and listen.
Step 10 Optional: If there is no answer, repeat the above procedure. If there is still
no response, try another channel.
Note
The total transmission should be within one minute.
The FM-4850 has DSC Distress calling, which can send a distress call
digitally to all ships with compatible DSC radios. For more information, see
section 4 DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING.
If the emergency call is accidentally sent, please refer to "Sending a
distress cancel call" in paragraph 4.3.1.
1.2 How to Call another Channel (CH16 or CH9)
CH16 (or CH9, depending on area) should be used as the calling channel for initial
contact with another vessel. However, its primary purpose is for emergency
communications and should be monitored at all times when the radio is not using
other channels.
CH16 or CH9 is monitored by other vessels and Coast Guard stations in all
countries.